Why are PSG Parting Ways with Their Champions League Hero?

Remember when Gigi Donnarumma put up a stellar performance that played a pivotal role in Paris Saint-Germain’s (PSG) Champions League triumph? Well, the Italian goalkeeper’s future at Parc des Princes is now hanging in the balance. While it’s true that PSG could have clinched the Champions League final without Donnarumma, they certainly wouldn’t have made it to Munich without his heroics.

Donnarumma’s Champions League Journey

Donnarumma was nothing short of colossal throughout the knockout rounds, earning the Player of the Match award for his contribution to PSG’s shootout victory over Liverpool at Anfield. His team-mates were quick to laud his decisive role in the ties against Aston Villa and Arsenal. After PSG’s 1-0 victory over Arsenal at the Emirates, star playmaker Vitinha even hailed the Italian giant as the team’s “MVP”.

So, why is Europe’s top team considering parting ways with Europe’s best goalkeeper? The answer lies in PSG’s Champions League campaign which was marked by inconsistency. Their triumph can essentially be divided into two acts of starkly contrasting quality.

Jekyll & Hyde

PSG’s campaign was a roller coaster ride, marked by a near-embarrassing early exit after falling 2-0 down early in their must-win meeting with Manchester City at Parc des Princes in January. An impressive comeback turned the game and their entire tournament around. This Jekyll & Hyde nature of PSG’s performances was arguably best personified by Donnarumma. He did not convince during the initial rounds, particularly in the 2-0 loss to Arsenal at the Emirates on October 1. His misjudgement only fueled further debate over his status as PSG’s undisputed No.1.

Concerns over Donnarumma’s Distribution Skills

Whispers during coach Luis Enrique’s first season suggested that the Spaniard was less than impressed with Donnarumma’s distribution skills. He was reportedly on the lookout for a goalkeeper more comfortable with the ball at his feet. Talk of PSG making a move for the more sure-footed Lucas Chevalier, which started last year, never really died down. The France international is now expected to complete a €40 million (£35m/$46m) transfer from Lille in the coming days.

Donnarumma’s Contract Negotiations

Donnarumma’s current contract expires next summer, but PSG have offered him an extension. The terms of the new deal, however, are not to the liking of either the player or his agent, Enzo Raiola. They were expecting a renewal that rewarded Donnarumma for his key role in the historic Champions League win. But what’s been offered is a smaller guaranteed wage and a potential in performance-related bonuses which would only match the goalkeeper’s current net salary.

Donnarumma’s Future

Despite the market unpredictability, it seems unlikely that Donnarumma will accept an offer he deems less than his worth. He has plenty of suitors, with PSG reportedly willing to let him go for €40m. Clubs like Manchester United, Manchester City, and Chelsea are closely monitoring his situation.

Does PSG’s Future Include Donnarumma?

While PSG would be happy to have Donnarumma and Chevalier competing for a starting spot next season, it’s hard to imagine this scenario appealing to Donnarumma. Chevalier’s recruitment is further evidence of PSG’s drive to insert talented young French players into their team. Given his superior ball skills and better stats, Chevalier is likely to edge out Donnarumma.

It looks increasingly likely that Donnarumma and PSG will part company this summer. His stock hasn’t been this high since the Euros four years ago, meaning he’d have little trouble convincing another top team to pay him what he wants. Meanwhile, PSG have already lined up a replacement for a player with less than 12 months left on his contract. While he may have been PSG’s MVP in last season’s Champions League, Donnarumma’s departure now makes monetary and sporting sense.